Corvad as a bridge to LVAD implantation in end-stage heart disease complicated by cardiogenic shock: a three-case series.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety, hemodynamic efficacy, and short-term outcomes of CorVad mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy for cardiogenic shock and the changes in related hemolysis indicators.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed three patients with Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) stage D Cardiogenic shock (CS) admitted between November 2024 and May 2025 to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. All received CorVad support and were bridged to LVAD. Hemodynamic parameters, short-term prognosis, and dynamic changes in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and Indirect bilirubin within 24 h post-implantation were assessed.

RESULTS

CorVad support led to rapid improvements in mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and cardiac index, accompanied by a marked reduction in lactate. All three patients successfully underwent elective LVAD implantation without procedural complications or in-hospital mortality. All patients remained alive and ambulatory at 30-day and 3-month follow-up. Within 24 h post-implantation, Hb, Hct declined modestly and indirect bilirubin levels have slightly increased, suggesting mild hemolysis or transient hemodilution, without severe hemolysis-related complications.

CONCLUSION

CorVad provides effective and timely hemodynamic rescue in patients with CS, enabling safe transition to durable LVAD implantation, with favorable short-term prognosis. Serial monitoring of hemolysis-related indicators is required postoperatively to identify and manage potential hemolysis risks at an early stage.